the Secrets of a Healthy Building: 9 Essential Principles for Optimal Wellness and Sustainability
Healthy buildings are designed to improve the well-being of their occupants. By contributing to global health, these buildings support sustainable development goals, operating across various pillars of health and underpinned by public health principles. They incorporate features that enhance air quality, natural lighting, and ergonomic design, which collectively promote a healthier lifestyle.
z 97, Barcelona (Batlleroig Architects)
the role of wellness real estate and healthy buildings
Healthy buildings are no longer a niche market or an afterthought in the construction and real estate industries. They have become a key consideration for developers, owners, and occupants alike, as the benefits of living and working in a healthy environment become increasingly apparent.
In this article, we will explore the importance of healthy buildings, the connection between well-being and sustainable buildings, and the nine essential principles for designing and operating a healthy building according to the Harvard C. Chan team's healthy buildings program at Harvard University focused on public health and health science.
We will also examine the role of a healthy building consultant, case studies of successful healthy building projects in London, and the future of healthy building science, indoor spaces that enhance occupant health and the concept of wellness real estate.
Introduction to healthy buildings and their importance
A healthy building is one that is designed and operated in a way that optimizes the health and well-being of its occupants while minimizing its environmental impact.
The concept of a healthy building has evolved from a focus on improving indoor air quality (poor indoor air quality has been referred to as Sick Building Syndrome in the past) to a more holistic approach that considers the myriad factors that affect human health and well-being in indoor spaces. Healthy buildings also play a crucial role in improving environmental health by reducing harmful air pollutants and contributing to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions
Research into healthy buildings
Research has shown that healthy buildings can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved cognitive function among occupants, making them a critical component of a modern, sustainable built environment.
The importance of healthy buildings is underscored by the fact that we spend approximately 90% of our time nowadays in indoor spaces. As our urban populations continue to grow and our awareness of the impact of the built environment on human health and well-being increases, the demand for healthy buildings will only continue to rise.
This has led to the development of building types, certification programs and building standards that specifically focus on the health and well-being of building occupants, such as the WELL Building Standard, that is aligned with the US Green Building Council (behind the LEED rating system). So how do these two concepts relate to each other?
Green Business District, Barcelona, Spain
The connection between well-being and sustainable buildings
There is a strong connection between well-being and green buildings, which offer significant economic, environmental, and health benefits. Sustainable buildings are designed to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing their efficiency, and these principles can also contribute to a healthier indoor environment for the building owners.
For example, energy-efficient buildings tend to have better
Sustainable buildings
Sustainable buildings often incorporate green building materials and practices, which can lead to better indoor environmental quality and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, toxins in materials released as VOCs reduce indoor air quality.
For existing buildings, specific requirements and considerations such as indoor air quality testing and post-occupancy evaluations are crucial to ensure they meet green building standards.
WELL Building Standard
The WELL Building Standard, developed by the International WELL Building Institute, is a certification program that merges the principles of sustainable building with those of human health and well-being.
WELL-certified buildings are designed and operated to support human health and wellness, ensuring the physical, mental, and social well-being of their occupants, while also promoting resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.
WELL certification and the International Well Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a global organization that promotes the design and operation of healthy buildings through the WELL Building Standard.
This performance-based certification system measures the impact of the built environment on human health and well-being across seven categories: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
By focusing on the factors that directly affect human health and well-being, the WELL Building Standard aims to create a healthier, more sustainable built environment that supports the overall health outcomes wellness of healthier buildings and its occupants.
WELL certification is awarded to buildings that meet the requirements set forth by the IWBI and demonstrate a commitment to promoting health and well-being.
To achieve certification, buildings must undergo a rigorous assessment process, which includes on-site testing, performance verification, and documentation review.
Once certified, WELL buildings must maintain their high standards through ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement.
Harvard’s 9 Principles of a Healthy Buildings, by Joseph Allen
The 9 essential principles for a healthier building
a. Indoor air quality
Indoor air quality is a crucial component of a healthier building, as poor air quality can lead to a host of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and cognitive impairment. Using high efficiency filter vacuums for cleaning surfaces regularly can help remove particles such as dander and allergens, addressing breathing issues and minimizing exposure to VOC, lead, pesticides, and allergens.
To ensure optimal indoor air quality, healthier indoor environments should be designed to minimize the entry and accumulation of pollutants, provide adequate ventilation, and incorporate air filtration systems to remove particulate matter and other contaminants.
b. Indoor environmental quality
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) refers to the overall comfort and well-being of occupants within a building, encompassing factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, and acoustics.
An office building or residential development should therefore be designed to maintain comfortable and consistent indoor conditions, provide ample natural light, and minimize noise pollution to create a pleasant and productive environment for its occupants. Excessive noise pollution can negatively impact mental health, leading to mental illness and decreased performance.
c. Green building materials and practices
The use of green building materials and practices is an essential component of a healthy building, as it helps to minimize the environmental impact of construction and reduce occupants' exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.
Green building materials are typically made from renewable resources, have low embodied energy, and are free of toxic substances.
Healthy buildings should also incorporate sustainable construction practices, such as waste reduction, resource-efficient design, and environmentally friendly landscaping.
d. Occupant comfort and satisfaction
Occupant comfort and satisfaction are important considerations in the design and operation of a healthy building, as they directly impact the well-being and productivity of the people who live and work within the space.
By support occupant health and ensuring that buildings are designed to meet the needs and preferences of their occupants, healthy buildings can contribute to a more positive and enjoyable experience for all.
e. Energy efficiency and sustainability
Energy efficiency and sustainability are critical components of a healthy building, as they help to minimize its environmental impact and reduce operating costs.
Natural ventilation plays a crucial role in improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency by reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems. By incorporating energy-efficient technologies, such as high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy systems, healthy buildings can significantly reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
f. Building maintenance and operations
Proper building maintenance and operations are essential to maintaining a healthy indoor environment and ensuring the longevity of the building itself.
The World Health Organization recommends national plans for noise indoor environment and provides guidelines for water safety plans and maintenance.
A healthy building should have a comprehensive maintenance plan in place that includes regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs to ensure that all systems are functioning optimally and that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
g. Wellness strategy integration
A wellness strategy is a comprehensive approach to promoting health and well-being within a building or organization.
Healthy buildings should integrate wellness strategies, such as providing access to fitness facilities, offering healthy food options, and creating spaces for relaxation and social interaction, to support the overall wellness of their occupants.
h. Design for human health and well-being
A healthy building should be designed with the health and well-being of its occupants in mind, taking into consideration factors such as ergonomics, biophilia, and accessibility.
By incorporating design elements that promote physical activity, social interaction, and connection to nature, healthy buildings can create an environment that supports the mental, emotional, and physical wellness of its occupants.
i. Community engagement and connectivity
A healthy building should foster a sense of community and connection among its occupants, as well as with the surrounding neighborhood.
This can be achieved through the creation of communal spaces, the promotion of social events and activities, and the integration of the building within the larger community through partnerships, collaborations, and shared resources.
Wittywood healthy building, Barcelona
The role of a healthy building consultant
A healthy building consultant is a professional who specializes in the design, construction, and operation of healthy buildings.
These experts have a deep understanding of the factors that affect indoor environmental quality and occupant well-being and can provide valuable guidance and advice to building owners, developers, and architects on how to create and maintain a healthy building.
By working with a healthy building consultant, building owners can ensure that their projects meet the highest standards of health and well-being, while also achieving their sustainability goals.
Healthy building strategies for residential real estate
For residential real estate, healthy building strategies can include incorporating natural light and ventilation, using non-toxic building materials, and providing access to outdoor spaces, such as balconies or gardens.
Residential developments can promote a sense of community and well-being by offering shared amenities, such as fitness centers, community gardens, and social spaces.
Healthy building strategies for office buildings
In office buildings, healthy building strategies can involve providing adjustable workstations, access to natural light, and proper ventilation to ensure a comfortable and productive work environment.
Office buildings can also promote well-being by offering spaces for relaxation and social interaction, such as break rooms, outdoor terraces, or communal dining areas, and by providing access to on-site fitness facilities or wellness programs.
Case studies: Successful healthy building projects in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona in Spain has seen a plethora of successful healthy building projects in recent years, demonstrating the growing demand for wellness real estate in our home city. We previously wrote extensively about this subject in a separate blog post here.
One of the latest examples from the prolific architect studio Batlleroig is the One Parc Central development in @22 Poblenou that is targeting LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum. The 52m high tower has 12 office and three basement floors, 258 parking spaces for cars, motorbikes and cycles, as well as a focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency and an abundance of natural materials used in construction.
Conclusion: The future of healthy buildings and wellness real estate
The future of healthy buildings and wellness real estate is bright, as more people become aware of the impact that the built environment has on their health and well-being.
As demand for healthy buildings continues to grow, it is likely that we will see increased investment in research, innovation, and the development of new technologies, materials, and design strategies that support the creation of healthier, more sustainable buildings.
By prioritizing the health and well-being of occupants, the real estate industry can play a significant role in promoting a healthier, more sustainable future for all.